May 27, 2024 P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series on Black Joy in Early Childhood Featuring Trying Together Exec Director Now Available Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo was a guest speaker in the Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) program’s recent spring Speaker Series event. Ciminillo discussed what Black joy meant to her, and how Trying Together is actively working to eliminate racism and address the inequities in systems. Learn More “Affirming Black Joy: Race, Identity, and Early Childhood” took place on April 10. Leading experts in the field of race and early childhood discussed needs and strategies to promote a culture of positive racial identity as well as joy and affirmation in classroom, home, and community settings. P.R.I.D.E. Program Director Dr. Aisha White moderated the event. Ciminillo was a guest panelist. “When I think about affirming Black joy, it begins with affirming who a child is, which can only be accomplished in relationship with others,” she said. “So, it’s recognizing a child’s emotions, their needs, their experiences, and talents. It’s seeing themselves in their surroundings and valuing a Black child’s family, culture, and traditions as assets – something to celebrate, to build off of.” Ciminillo said that Trying Together – which supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and those who interact with them – has worked to embody these ideals. “Several years ago, we recognized that our limitations in meeting these ideals were hampered and we weren’t putting those same ideals in practice in our own organization,” Ciminillo said. “We needed to embody a culture of belonging and then apply that in the field. We believe Black joy means establishing a positive image in the early childhood field – and elevating voices and decision making. We envision a future in which all caregivers feel valued. We’ve set into motion daily practices large and small to achieve it. Our organization must be representative of those in the field we serve. Our staff composition at all levels needs to reflect their diversity and types of experiences.” The P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series event can be viewed in full on YouTube.
July 7, 2023 P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals The P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) Program invites you to celebrate Black children! The P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals are free, fun, creative, and educational events that help young Black children ages birth through eight-years-old, and their families, celebrate their racial and cultural heritage through the arts. There will be interactive art activities, performances, music, free food, and giveaways. When: Saturday, 9/16 | 12 – 4 p.m. Where: Homewood-Brushton YMCA, 7140 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15208 This year’s theme is “I Love Being Black!” If you’d like to volunteer, email heidi.green@pitt.edu; for more information about the festivals, email mjackson@pitt.edu, and to learn more about The P.R.I.D.E. Program, visit racepride.pitt.edu. For event updates, visit the P.R.I.D.E. Facebook and Instagram pages.
P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals The P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) Program invites you to celebrate Black children! The P.R.I.D.E. Pop Up Mini Art Festivals are free, fun, creative, and educational events that help young Black children ages birth through eight-years-old, and their families, celebrate their racial and cultural heritage through the arts. There will be interactive art activities, performances, music, free food, and giveaways. When: Saturday, 8/19 | 12 – 4 p.m. Where: The Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206 This year’s theme is “I Love Being Black!” If you’d like to volunteer, email heidi.green@pitt.edu; for more information about the festivals, email mjackson@pitt.edu, and to learn more about The P.R.I.D.E. Program, visit racepride.pitt.edu. For event updates, visit the P.R.I.D.E. Facebook and Instagram pages.
January 27, 2022 Parenting While Black: Virtual Webinar Series Join Brazelton Touchpoints Center for their virtual webinar series, “Parenting While Black: Reclaiming, Centering, and Affirming our Joy in Raising Black Children.” Events will take place every other Monday from March 7 to May 16. This free webinar series offers a safe and welcoming space to hold conversations for and by Black families. Topics will include Embracing Black Joy and Excellence; Parenting While Black in White Spaces; Birthing While Black; Black Mental Health and more. All are welcome to join and engage in these powerful conversations. Registration is required to access this event virtually.
